How to Store Your Riedel Glasses Safely
Andi Healey
Web Manager
Protect your glasses from damage and keep them ready to use.
The way you store your glasses matters almost as much as how you wash them. Poor storage can cause chips, scratches, smells and clouding. Here's how to keep your Riedel glasses safe, organised, and ready to go.
The Best Way to Store Glasses: Upright
Upright is always better than stacked. When glasses stand upright, the weight is distributed evenly on the base — the strongest part of the glass. This is the safest, most stable way to store them, and it puts the least pressure on the bowl and rim.
If you have the cupboard or shelf space, store every glass upright. No exceptions. It's the single best thing you can do for their longevity.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
Where you store your glasses matters as much as how. Temperature, light, and humidity all affect glass over time.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
UV light can cause some glasses to discolour or fade slightly over very long periods (months or years). This is rare with clear Riedel glasses, but it's a good reason to avoid storing glasses on open shelves in direct sunlight. A closed cupboard or a shelf away from windows is ideal.
Keep Temperature Stable
Extreme temperature fluctuations can stress glass. Don't store glasses:
- Above a heat source (oven, radiator, direct sunlight through a window)
- In unheated garages or sheds during winter
- In places prone to condensation or dampness
A cool, stable kitchen cupboard is perfect.
Avoid Humidity and Damp
Damp environments can cause mineral deposits and cloudiness to form on stored glasses, especially if the storage space isn't well-ventilated. Store glasses in a dry cupboard, not in a damp basement or under a sink where moisture is constant.
Storage Solutions for Different Situations
Good organization keeps glasses safe and accessible.
Kitchen Cupboards
Most people store glasses in kitchen cupboards, and this works well if you do it right. Leave space so glasses aren't wedged in. If your cupboard door closes firmly, make sure glasses are positioned so the door doesn't knock rims.
Open Shelves
If you display glasses on open shelves, keep them away from direct sunlight and away from the edge where they could be knocked off. Dust them regularly - dust can settle in the bowl and require washing.
Wine Fridges and Wine Racks
Wine fridges are excellent for long-term storage because they maintain cool, stable temperature. Most have removable shelves - use these to store glasses upright.
Storage Boxes and Cases
For glasses you don't use often or for moving house, use proper glass storage boxes. These come with individual compartments and padding. Wrap each glass in tissue paper or cloth before placing in the box. This is essential if you're storing glasses long-term or transporting them.
Long-Term Storage
If you're storing glasses for months or years (wedding gifts, collections you're not using yet), follow this method:
Long-Term Storage Steps
- Wash and dry glasses thoroughly - any residue can set and be hard to remove later.
- Wrap each glass individually in acid-free tissue paper or soft cloth.
- Use a proper storage box with compartments, or pack into a sturdy box with plenty of padding (newspaper, bubble wrap, or cloth).
- Label the box clearly with the glass type and quantity inside.
- Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid basements, attics, or anywhere with temperature fluctuations.
- Don't store anything heavy on top of the box.
- Check glasses every 6 months for any signs of damage or cloudiness.
Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Do This
- Don't nest glasses together. Putting one glass inside another puts pressure on rims and can cause chips.
- Don't store glasses near a heat source. Ovens, radiators, and direct sunlight cause thermal stress.
- Don't stack glasses without cloth between them. Glass on glass causes scratches and increases breakage risk.
- Don't store in damp areas. Basements, under sinks, and other humid spaces cause cloudiness and mineral deposits.
- Don't store near strong smells. Glass can absorb odours from storage areas - keep glasses away from paint fumes, cleaning products, or other strong-smelling items.
Before You Store Glasses: Final Checks
Before putting glasses away, always:
- Make sure they're completely dry - any moisture can cause cloudiness during storage.
- Check that there's no dust or residue on the bowl or rim.
- Inspect for any chips or cracks before storing - you don't want to discover problems months later.
- Let glasses cool completely if they've just been washed in hot water - never store warm glass.
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